Fetal Development Month by Month

Day 1: Conception . . . Sperm fertilizes egg Day 7: Implants on the wall of the Uterus Day 18: Heart begins to beat First Month By the end of the first month, the embryo is about 1/10 of an inch long. The heart, which is no larger than a poppy seed, has begun beating.

First Month

Two Months The embryo is about 1 inch long and has distinct, slightly webbed fingers. Veins are clearly visible. The heart has divided into right and left chambers.

Two Months

Three Months By now the fetus is 2 1/2 to 3 inches long and is fully formed. He has begun swallowing and kicking. All organs and muscles have formed and are beginning to function.

Four Months Your baby is covered with a layer of thick, downy hair called lanugo. His heartbeat can be heard clearly. Baby is moving around but can not be felt You can find out the sex of the baby at this time

4 months

Five Months A protective coating called vernix caseosa begins to form on baby's skin. By the end of this month, your baby will be nearly 8 inches long and weigh almost a pound. This is when you may feel your baby's first kick.

Six Months Eyebrows and eyelids are visible. Your baby's lungs are filled with amniotic fluid, and he has started breathing motions. If you talk or sing, he can hear you.

6 Months

Seven Months By the end of the seventh month, your baby weighs about 3 1/2 pounds and is about 12 inches long. His body is well-formed. Fingernails cover his fingertips

7 Months

Eight Months Your baby is gaining about half a pound per week, and layers of fat are piling on. He has probably turned head-down in preparation for birth. He weighs between 4 and 6 pounds.

8 months

Nine Months Your baby is a hefty 6 to 9 pounds and measures between 19 and 22 inches. As he becomes more crowded, you may feel him move around less. Lungs are maturing

Survival rates for babies born early By 24 weeks or 6 months 56% of babies will survive By 25 weeks-just one week later it increases to 79% survival rate

Alexander Tsiaras: Conception to birth -- visualized - YouTube